Visit Scotland said it is exporting the country to the world with a flagship event which will see around 600 tour operators and travel agents from over 30 countries meet more than 300 Scottish tourism businesses.

VisitScotland Expo – which kicks off on Wednesday at the SEC in Glasgow - will welcome hundreds of exhibitors, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions and activity providers, from every corner of the country to showcase their products and services to buyers from the UK and across the globe.

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The Scottish tourism agency said enthusiasm is high amongst businesses with the event hosting the largest number of exhibitors in 20 years - up from 276 last year - and welcoming around 80 new businesses, making it the country’s biggest travel trade show. Visitors will come from such countries as the USA, Japan, Brazil, Russia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Germany.

VisitScotland Expo is also celebrating the Year of Young People (YOYP2018) at this year travel event ahead of the European Championships – Glasgow 2018 - taking over the city and venues across Scotland later this year.

VisitScotland said the travel show is marking YOYP2018 by putting the power in young people’s hands with modern apprentices and graduates from VisitScotland judging the shortlist for the Expo stand awards which will be handed out to exhibitors with the best stands.

Described as a global first, YOYP2018 is a platform for young people aged eight to 26 years old to have their voices heard on social issues, their talents showcased and their contribution to communities celebrated.

Glasgow 2018, which includes BMX racing as part of its cycling events, as well as aquatics, golf, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon, expects attendances at venues of around 250,000 this August - bringing a welcome boost to the local economy.

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “It’s wonderful to see young people at the forefront of Expo and the Glasgow 2018 celebrations.

“Glasgow is the perfect setting this year for VisitScotland Expo, as the city alone acts as a gateway to the rest of the country and I am sure many of the buyers here will be impressed to see Scotland punching above its weight on the world stage when it comes to tourism and events.

“We need to leverage this reputation to bring new investments, new events, new airlines and new visitors and Expo gives all Scottish tourism businesses the chance to promote their products and services to tour operators and travel agents across the globe – all under one roof.

“Glasgow 2018 promises to be an incredible event, perfectly placed to show off what Scotland has to offer in terms of sports, events and tourism.”

Glasgow 2018 championships director Colin Hartley said: “Glasgow is set to make sporting history later this year when we stage the first ever combined European Championships, using our proven excellence, expertise and warm welcome to create a must-attend and memorable experience for tens of thousands of visitors, athletes, media, spectators, officials and residents.